Firstly, RIP Jaime Pierre.
I think ski movies need to focus on “pushing the envelope” by presenting ski
action that has new levels of style, technicality, creativity and innovation,
rather than new levels of risk. By having this focus, the companies would
cultivate a setting where athletes are not as pressured to put themselves in
dangerous situations. I realize that these film companies provide the means for
many athletes to pursue their passions on a level that they otherwise would not
be able to do (e.g. insane trips to Alaska), but I have heard from at least one
major professional that there are situations in which they are hesitant
about doing something risky, but, with
the camera crew and heli all in place, they feel somewhat obligated to do it.
This same athlete said he felt like “a piece of meat” when he hucked himself in
those situations.
Also, I think the ski industry needs to consciously establish positions for the
major athletes on their teams to enter once health reasons prevent them being able
to continue pushing themselves on the slopes. By doing this, athletes who have
suffered, say, a serious brain injury, would be more likely to listen to the
advice of their doctors without feeling like they have to totally give up that
part of their identity and involvement in the ski community.
